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Pilates is fast becoming big business in Singapore – and it’s not just Gen Z driving it

Demand is booming on the back of a stronger focus on health and wellness, but operators warn of competition and rising costs

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Ry-Anne Lim

Ry-Anne Lim

Published Fri, Dec 12, 2025 · 02:30 PM
    • Pilates studios are filling up as the once-niche practice becomes a mainstay of the city's fitness scene.
    • A study published in March found that attending regular Pilates classes reduced anxiety, depression, fatigue and stress.
    • Move Repeat group brand and engagement Kamesh Waran says the Strong Pilates team is constantly looking to expand.
    • Studios say the majority of their clients remain women, but more men have been attending Pilates classes in recent years.
    • Tim Campbell-Scott, Lululemon Southeast Asia market director, notes a shift toward more holistic, wellness-driven fitness routines.
    • Pilates studios are filling up as the once-niche practice becomes a mainstay of the city's fitness scene. PHOTO: ALLY
    • A study published in March found that attending regular Pilates classes reduced anxiety, depression, fatigue and stress. PHOTO: FLEX STUDIO
    • Move Repeat group brand and engagement Kamesh Waran says the Strong Pilates team is constantly looking to expand. PHOTO: TAY CHU YI, BT
    • Studios say the majority of their clients remain women, but more men have been attending Pilates classes in recent years. PHOTO: THE MOVING BODY GROUP
    • Tim Campbell-Scott, Lululemon Southeast Asia market director, notes a shift toward more holistic, wellness-driven fitness routines. PHOTO: LULULEMON

    [SINGAPORE] On a quiet Thursday morning, two sisters in their 50s step into a bright, mirrored studio in The Centrepoint along Orchard Road. Clad in matching black leggings and grippy socks, they settle onto reformer machines as their instructor cues them through slow, deliberate movements. Within minutes, the room hums with controlled breaths and quiet effort. 

    What began as a casual experiment a year ago has turned into a weekly ritual for the two. 

    “At our age, we wanted something that builds up core strength, flexibility and posture without looking too intimidating,” says the older sister, Samantha Tan. “Pilates tick all the boxes.” 

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